Many pop culture portrayals of Washington put the government front and center. But beyond the politics, D.C. has a local side that deserves attention too. This year, we asked some of this region’s biggest book lovers to recommended books to help you better understand D.C. from a uniquely local angle. Take a look!

Marita Golden, D.C. resident and author

Go-go music is an integral part of Washington’s cultural history. This book tells the history of black Washington through that very music, as well as the transition from “Chocolate City” to the rapidly changing Washington we have today.

“Watergate” is a retelling of the famed political scandal surrounding President Richard Nixon. Golden says the book changed the way she saw political life in the city because of how human all the characters were.

Marita Golden’s latest book tells the story of a family dealing with Alzheimer’s disease as they navigate life in Washington D.C.. Miller says the book uses the themes of change and remembrance to create a compelling tale.

Since its original publishing in 1988, the book has been a source for information on many neighborhoods in the city. Updated in 2010, the book now covers 26 neighborhoods with historic pictures and maps.

Author Leon Wilkins, a U.S. District Court Judge, tells the story of his journey to make the National Museum of African American History and Culture come to fruition. The book also challenges America’s unwillingness to deal with the realities of slavery and discrimination.

Kojo Nnamdi, D.C. resident and host, “The Kojo Nnamdi Show”

Edward Jones is, “arguably the city’s most acclaimed living fiction writer,” says Kojo. “Lost In The City” is a collection of stories from Jones, telling the tales of African-American men and women in D.C.

The book was a spin-off of Liebow’s doctorate research. It is a collection of research done on a group of men who routinely hung out on a Washington street corner. There was much debate as to which specific corner the book talked about. It was later revealed that it was 11th and M St. NW. He went every day for 18 months.

James Foreman Jr. was a recent guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show. His book explores why African American leaders supported the “tough on crime” crackdown in the 1990s that led to the imprisonment of many African Americans nationwide.

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Tuesday, Dec 12 2017DIY arts spaces are community gathering places where people make and enjoy art and music in a non-traditional setting, oftentimes a home or a warehouse space. Despite the high rents in our region, the scene is thriving.

Friday, Dec 08 2017At-Large D.C. Councilmember David Grosso (I) joins us to talk about the investigation of Ballou High School graduation rates, and the new proof of residency requirements for homeless families.